Wachusett To Host Firefighters Muster March 4; Crowley Classic March 5

Wachusett Mountain Ski Area in Princeton, Mass., is hosting its annual Firefighters Muster Thursday, March 4.

The event is a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, with proceeds going to support research. Competition includes the enormously amusing Firehose Challenge, in which teams of four sparks ski down a slalom course holding onto a 50-foot length of fire hose; the Midnight Alarm Race, in which firefighters don their gear, hop into their skis or boards, and race down a slalom course; and individual slalom races. All competition is held on the ski area's NASTAR course, visible from the base area. A silent auction also will be held, again with proceeds going to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The annual Ralph Crowley Classic, successor to the venerable Wachusett Mountain Downhill Race, will be held March 5 on the Smith Walton trail. This is an open master's level race that honors Ralph Crowley, whose vision led to modern skiing at Wachusett.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., racing at 10 a.m.

The two events were set for Feb. 25 and 26, but were pushed back a week because of a wintry mix of weather that moved into New England Tuesday, dropping snow and then heavy rain.

More information: Firefighters Muster; Ralph Crowley Classic.